Legacy, legacy, legacy, legacy!
LeBron James and his son Bronny officially made history this past weekend as the first father-son duo to play as teammates in the NBA, ESPN reports. The two suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Bronny celebrating his 20th birthday on the court alongside his father. The long-awaited moment was a tearjerker as fans watched the pinnacle of the elder James’ illustrious career.
“For a father, it means everything. For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for,” LeBron told reporters.
Bronny James was selected No. 55 in the 2024 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. An emotional moment for the whole family, it had long been speculated that LeBron would attempt to play with his son before retiring. Still, it was always more of a dream for NBA fans than a reality. That was until the USC freshman declared for the draft. Now, the dream has fully manifested, Lakers’ coach JJ Reddick letting the father-son duo know that this weekend’s game would be their first time to hit the court together as NBA professionals.
“Just wanted to get them a chance to play together in preseason…within the flow of the game. I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of this. I really am. It’s cool as a basketball fan. I think it speaks to LeBron’s longevity, but also his competitive stamina that he’s able to still be doing this in Year 22. It speaks to the work that Bronny has put in to get to this point and really just the fatherly care and love, and certainly the motherly care from Savannah as well. Bronny’s such a great kid and he’s a pleasure to be around,” said Reddick.
The two played together for just 4 minutes and 9 seconds, but it was the most heartwarming moment ever. At 39 years old, LeBron has had multiple lives as a pro baller. While the Lakers lost the game, the James duo won the moment. LeBron took to social media afterward to post images of him and his son over the years up until this historic moment. The gravity of the moment was not lost on him.
“WOW THAT WAS SURREAL!!,” wrote James.
Yes, yes, it was!
Cover photo: Lebron James & Son Bronny Officially Make History as First Father-Son Duo to Play as NBA Teammates/Photo credit: Klutch Sports Group/LeBron James/Instagram